June 2016
Green-fingered pupils at a Consett primary school have been digging in to plant up trees, bushes and flowers for a nearby housing development.
The class of 30 Year 3 children at The Grove Primary School will nurture the plants for six weeks before they will be planted in flowerbeds for families at Story Homes’ Shotley Bridge development, The Woodlands, to enjoy.
Assistant site manager at The Woodlands, Paul Tate, had previously donated rocks and stones from the construction site to the school when they were studying the effects of water on natural materials. When he heard that the children were undertaking a project on plants, he asked if the school would like to help grow some of the shrubs and flowers which are due to be planted in the landscaped areas of the housing development this summer.
One of Story Homes’ sub-contracted landscape gardeners, Richard Moat, visited the school to help the children plant up the flowers, teaching them about the different seeds and bulbs, how to plant them and how to care for them.
The seven and eight-year-olds will be watering and caring for the plants as part of their school project until they are ready to be moved to The Woodlands in July.
Richard said: “The children have been absolutely fantastic and have really enjoyed learning about the different plants. I’m sure that they will do a great job looking after them for the next six weeks.”
The flowers will be planted in a landscaped area at The Woodlands, for families living at the housing development to enjoy for the rest of the year, and in years to come.
Charlotte Walton, class teacher at The Grove, said: “Story Homes has been fantastic at helping out our school with materials for the children to experiment with in class. I was so pleased when they asked us to help grow some plants, as it really helps the children to gain practical skills and a better understanding.
“It is great that the children were able to learn from an experienced landscape gardener. The whole class has been really engaged and are so proud of their handiwork. It will be very rewarding to see them watch the plants grow and the flowers bloom.
Paul Tate said: “Story Homes works closely with schools and community groups in the areas around its developments.
“We really appreciate the children at The Grove helping to grow our flowerbeds and look forward to having them on site for everyone to enjoy.”
